A BARROW beauty queen is in the running to represent Great Britain at the Miss Universe pageant.

Trainee chartered accountant Jordan-Louise Smith, 24, will be taking part in the 2022 Miss Universe Great Britain competition in South Wales in July.

As well as being a pageant contestant, Jordan is also an eating disorder awareness and education advocate - a cause she is very passionate about due to her personal experiences suffering with eating disorders.

As part of her journey Jordan is fundraising for Beat, the UK’s leading Eating Disorder Charity, and A-Sisterhood, an organisation that supports the advancement of women worldwide.

This year money raised from the fundraising will go to a number of female-related causes including Women’s Aid UK, and Stop Acid Attacks in India which helps survivors of acid violence. A donation will also be given to a female cause chosen and supported by the new titleholder.

The final (July 7-9) will include a Bring A Bra Ball organised for A-Sisterhood with finalists and their guests donating bras in association with Smalls for All; - a charity which collects and distributes underwear to help adults and children in Africa and the UK.

Jordan said: “I am really excited and honoured to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year. I am grateful to have this platform to take my work with eating disorder awareness further, and I’m also looking forward to supporting A-Sisterhood as part of the process. Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world, and it would be a dream come true to be able to represent Great Britain on that stage.

“There is a lot of hard work that goes into the whole experience, but it is going to be a huge adventure and so much fun – I can’t wait!”

The Miss Universe Great Britain operates a NOT IN VAIN campaign as part of the competition. There is an award for the finalist who raises the most for charity and an award for the most inspiring finalist who shows dedication to empowering young women.

As well as getting the opportunity to represent the UK for around three weeks at Miss Universe, the winner of Miss Universe Great Britain will also visit travel on humanitarian projects linked to A-Sisterhood.